The False Gospel of America

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse. As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted,let them be under God’s curse!” – Galatians 1:6-9 (NIV)

Let me start by saying that I love America. I’ll compare my combat patch with anyone who would dare question my love for country. I could have been born anywhere else in the world but God in his mercy and grace chose to allow me the privilege of being born in the USA. I love this place! Our country is so awesome that someone with nothing can come here, work hard, and die a millionaire…and do it all legally! I love that I get to publicly proclaim that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the father except through Him, and there are no state police outside waiting to take me away (for now). I love the fact that I don’t have to worry about rolling blackouts on a daily basis, I have food and water, and I have a house. America is beautiful, it is blessed, and it is good.

However, the United States of America did not die for my sins.

Our nation cannot save because it is full of sinful and imperfect people who are all dependent on the Savior. I’m afraid that in their zeal, many well-meaning Christ-followers have made a false Gospel out of the American way, the American dream, and the American politic. This is dangerous ground. According to the scriptures when we say yes to Jesus we become part of a new family. This place is not our permanent home. We don’t belong to this system. Sure we obey the laws and submit to ruling authorities, but only because in doing so we are reflecting our submission to the real King, Jesus Christ. Systems do not save, only Jesus does. Regardless of who wins what election, regardless of how a certain vote turns out, our obligation is to serve King Jesus. In persecution, in times of plenty, under Republican rule or Democratic rule, our King is Jesus and our attitudes, and actions must always reflect that. The God of heaven is our object of worship, not the American flag. The Bible is our all authoritative rule for life, conduct and faith not the founding documents. We cannot place our politics and our ideologies above the values of the kingdom.

When was the last time you defended the truth of Scripture as passionately as you defend constitutional rights?

Have you recently shared Jesus with the same level of zeal that you have toward your political leanings?

The answers to those questions may reveal where your allegiance really is.